Open auction field could help clearance for weekend before Easter

Melbourne will forego its traditional pre-Easter auction bonanza this weekend.

About 900 auctions are slated to go under the hammer — less than half the 2000 held on the weekend before Easter last year, according to CoreLogic records.

And that’s good news for homesellers tackling the market this weekend, including ex- Socceroo and Melbourne Victory championship player Adrian Leijer, with low selection encouraging buyers to hop into bidding battles in recent weeks.

Last week 55.4 per cent of auctions ended with a sale, after the number of homes going under the hammer fell to 892 from 978 a week prior.

Adrian Leijer’s renovated three-bedroom house at 118 Richmond Tce, Richmond goes under the hammer at noon.

It’s the best clearance rate seen in Melbourne since September last year, buoyed by particularly strong clearance rates in the city’s outer east, 67.6 per cent, northwest, 65.7 per cent, and southeast, 61.3 per cent.

CoreLogic Australian head of real estate Geoff White said he expected the low volume this weekend, despite skipping the typical auction boom before Easter, would keep the clearance rate in the mid 50 per cent range.

“And if you have clearance rates anywhere from 55 per cent to 65 per cent, that’s where agents will like it,” Mr White said.

“It’s very balanced and reasonable, and not going up at unsustainable rates.

“It’s an auction market we can live with.”

Fewer new listings, sellers turning to private sales and Easter arriving a month later this year than last explained the limited auction numbers.

118 Richmond Tce, Richmond has been extensively renovated.

Former Melbourne Victory star Adrian Leijer and his architect wife Ashlee are among those hoping their home is onside with buyers.

The pair have extensively renovated the three-bedroom house at 118 Richmond Tce, Richmond since buying it in 2011 for $615,000.

Leijer previously told the Herald Sun the home held an enviable position, especially for those frequenting the sporting precinct around AAMI Park, Rod Laver Arena and the MCG.

Leijer played 135 games with Melbourne Victory. Picture: Mike Dugdale

His career highlights include a game with the Socceroos in 2008, two A-League championships with Melbourne Victory and being named the A-League’s young player of the year early on in his career.

Jellis Craig Richmond’s Trent Stewart is selling the house and said tight-lipped buyers were holding their run, but he expected them to strike on the day.

The home is being eyed off as a lock-up-and-leave base near the CBD.

“They love the renovation and the good natural light,” Mr Stewart said.

“And the location with city views has appealed.”

The home has a $1.4-$1.5 million asking price, and goes under the hammer at noon.

MORE: Cracking $10 million child’s play

Saint Moritz penthouse cash splash hits almost $80 million

Furniture warehouse once home to former Lord Mayor of Melbourne up for grabs